New Delhi, Nov 02: Sony introduces the FX5 camera, a new full-frame camera in its Cinema Line series. It comes with a newly developed fully stacked CMOS image sensor which further enhances sensitivity performance[i] through 15+ stops of dynamic range, a Dual Gain Shooting[ii] mode, and three base ISO settings. For the first time in the Cinema Line FX series, it supports Open Gate shooting as well as in-camera recording in X-OCN, Sony’s proprietary RAW format. The camera can also shoot in 5K at up to 60 frames per second, in 4K up to 120 frames per second and in FHD up to 240 frame per second.
These features bring together the Cinema Line look[iii] and operability designed to meet the needs of production environments in a compact, highly portable body. Alongside the FX5 camera, Sony India has also introduced two optional accessories, a detachable OLED viewfinder and an XLR Handle, which enables in-camera audio recording at up to 96 kHz/32-bit float. The camera system incorporates expertise that Sony has cultivated through the development of Cinema Line cameras, which have earned high praise from cinematographers and video creators around the world.
Mr. Mukesh Srivastava, Head-Imaging & Professional Solution Business, Sony India said, “The FX5 camera is the newest addition to our Cinema Line series, designed to meet the evolving demands of modern filmmakers and Cinematographers. With its newly developed full-frame sensor, internal RAW recording capabilities, and first-ever Open Gate shooting support in the FX series, it empowers creators with unparalleled creative flexibility and cinematic expression. At Sony, we remain deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of imaging technology, and the FX5 is a testament to our dedication to equipping creators with tools that bring their vision to life, regardless of the shooting environment.”
Key Features
- Comes with a newly developed full-frame fully stacked CMOS image sensor and the latest high-speed image processing engine
The camera is equipped with a full-frame fully stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor and the latest high-speed BIONZ XR2™ image processing engine, which includes a dedicated AI processing unit.
When shooting in S-Log3, the camera achieves 15+ stops of dynamic range. The broad latitude and low-noise performance enable seamless roll-off from highlights to shadows and natural texture reproduction, even in high-contrast scenes.
Three Base ISOs of ISO 800, ISO 4000, and ISO 12800 enable low-noise image expression under a wide range of conditions. The Dual Gain Shooting function2, supported for the first time in the FX series, maximizes the performance of the image sensor to enable smooth gradation reproduction with even wider latitude, while effectively reducing noise without compromising shadow detail.
For the first time in the FX series, the camera also supports 3:2 full-pixel readout across the entire image sensor area, or Open Gate shooting[iv], as well as a wide variety of image scan modes including 17:9, 16:9, and Super 35mm which allows flexible angle-of-view selection according to creative intent and delivery format. Additionally, the FX5 supports in-camera recording in X-OCN, Sony’s proprietary 16-bit scene-linear RAW format, enabling high-quality RAW recording without the need for an external recorder. Alongside X-OCN LT, the camera also supports the newly introduced X-OCN C1 and X-OCN C2 codecs. By reducing file sizes while retaining high image quality, these codecs enable faster data transfers, lower data volumes and more streamlined post-production workflows.
- High-precision AF powered by AI and detailed settings that support intentional shooting
Subject recognition using AI-based human pose estimation technology allows the camera to accurately detect not only the position of a person’s eyes, but also the position of the body and head, delivering high AF performance even in dark scenes. The camera also supports Real-time Tracking, which automatically tracks subjects and enables stable focus work.
When shooting with Auto Tracing White Balance (ATW), it uses the information from visible light and IR (infrared) sensors, as well as deep learning-based light source estimation, to identify scenes with high accuracy which helps in achieving more stable and natural white balance in shaded areas, indoor scenes, and other situations.
The new camera also comes with noise Suppression settings (ON/OFF), enabling flexible image creation according to shooting intent and post-production workflows along with a de-squeeze function that supports anamorphic lenses, enabling shooting with 1.3x, 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.8x, and 2.0x anamorphic lenses.
- Offers excellent operability and high mobility in a compact body
The FX5 features a compact and lightweight body with a flat-top design, offering flexibility across a range of shooting styles, including handheld shooting, gimbal operation and filming in confined spaces. It is equipped with 5-axis optical in-body image stabilisation for steady footage across different shooting conditions.
The camera’s latest image stabilisation unit expands the roll correction range to approximately twice that of the previous system, effectively reducing rotational blur. In addition to optical image stabilisation and Active Mode, the FX5 features Dynamic Active Mode, enabling stable and smooth image capture during handheld shooting.
When combined with the newly developed XLR handle unit, the camera supports high-quality audio recording of up to 96 kHz, 32-bit float, and 4 audio channels. It is also compatible with the optional 0.58-type tilting OLED viewfinder, which enables accurate monitoring even in bright environments.
It also offers a 3.5-type, approximately 2.76-million-dot, 16:9 touch-panel 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor, larger than that of FX3. The fully articulating monitor tilts approximately 98 degrees upward and approximately 40 degrees downward and opens approximately 180 degrees sideways. It uses a high-brightness panel with brightness adjustable in 15 steps. Various shooting information can be displayed around the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the screen so that it does not overlap with the shooting image. In addition, the BIG6 home screen, which inherits operability cultivated through CineAlta cameras, consolidates key settings such as frame rate, exposure, and LUTs, providing an operating environment that allows creators to focus on shooting.
The camera is equipped with a new menu system, enabling shooting with similar operability when used together with CineAlta cameras or FX6.
- High reliability and expandability to support professional production environments
A high-efficiency cooling fan with enhanced cooling performance and an optimized heat dissipation design enable stable operation even during long-duration video recording. The cooling fan is placed in an independent air chamber. Together with a dust- and moisture-resistant design, this enhances reliability in outdoor and demanding shooting environments.
The lightweight and highly rigid body includes screw holes in various locations for directly attaching accessories, allowing flexible shooting systems to be configured without the use of a cage.
Through integration with the Monitor & Control application, the camera supports video monitoring and remote operation from smartphones, tablets, and Mac. Output from the HDMI terminal on the camera body can display different information on the camera monitor and an external monitor, or the same information on both.
The camera is compatible with the recently released high-capacity rechargeable battery pack NP-SA100 (2670 mAh). With approximately 1.3 times the power capacity of the Z-series NP-FZ100 battery, it supports long-duration shooting. Battery life has been improved through power management coordinated with the camera, and the camera also supports display of the battery pack’s deterioration status.
The camera is equipped with two USB Type-C™︎ ports. In addition to supporting timecode input via an optional timecode adapter cable, it supports external power supply via USB Power Delivery (PD), enabling stable long-duration video shooting.
The camera also features a wired LAN terminal, enabling remote camera operation and stable network connection. It provides the high expandability required in professional production network environments.
- Planned Update ver. 2.0 (August 2027 or later)
Updates are planned to add support for HFR shooting up to 240 fps in X-OCN, XAVC S-I recording in a 3:2 aspect ratio (Open Gate shooting), an optimized user interface for vertical shooting, and a frame grab function.
- Accessibility and environmental considerations
The camera is equipped with accessibility features that support visual recognition and camera operation, including a screen reader function[ix] that reads menus aloud and an enlarged display function for menus. In addition, the mount index, multi-function dial, and buttons are designed for ease of use through shape and tactile feel, without relying solely on visual confirmation.
Approximately 30% or more of the parts used in the camera are made from recycled plastic[x]. In addition, the production sites in Thailand and China that manufacture this camera, operate using 100% renewable energy[xi]. Sony also uses plant-derived nonwoven fabric for bags that wrap products and other items[xii], reducing the amount of plastic used in packaging and helping lower environmental impact.
Optional Accessories:
- 0.58-type OLED Detachable Viewfinder DVF-EL1
This detachable viewfinder is equipped with a 0.58-type, approximately 7.07-million-dot high-resolution OLED panel7. It supports HDR display with a colour gamut equivalent to DCI-P3 and 10-bit gradation. The wide colour gamut enables accurate confirmation of subject colours, while HDR display allows precise confirmation of details when shooting and playing back landscapes or subjects with high contrast.
The viewfinder achieves a high level of immersion with approximately 0.9x magnification[xiii] and supports switching between display modes that prioritize resolution or eye point.
It also features a tilt mechanism that moves from 0 degrees to approximately 90 degrees upward, enabling flexible and comfortable monitoring during low-angle, high-angle, and handheld shooting.
- XLR Handle Unit XLR-H2
This XLR handle unit is equipped with two XLR/TRS combo terminals and supports up to 4-channel audio input. It features dual AD converters that digitally convert audio signal input from microphones with high precision and wide dynamic range and enables recording in-camera at up to 96 kHz, 32-bit float. By connecting directly to the camera body via the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, the unit digitizes audio signals and enables stable transmission. Mounting the handle also enhances stability and operability during handheld shooting, supporting shooting styles that require both mobility and audio quality, such as documentary and news-gathering production.
- Timecode Adapter Cable VMC-BNCU1
Using the optional USB-C to BNC timecode adapter cable, the camera supports timecode input from external timecode devices which enables accurate synchronization with multiple cameras and external audio devices, supporting professional production workflows based on timecode operation, including multicamera shooting, broadcasting, and filmmaking.
Applications Supporting Production with FX5
- Monitor & Control ver. 3.0
Monitor & Control is an application that enables wired and wireless video monitoring and camera control. Version 3.0 expands multicamera control and monitoring functions for vertical video shooting and supports EL Zone for accurate exposure confirmation. It supports more reliable and efficient video production in response to diversifying shooting needs, including production for social media and other distribution channels.[xiv]
Pricing and Availability
The FX5 Cinema Line camera along with the detachable OLED viewfinder and an XLR Handle, will be available across all Sony Authorised Retail Outlets, Sony Camera Lounge, Alpha Flagship stores, Sony Center, www.ShopatSC.com portal, major electronic stores in India starting today.
